Colorado Avalanche Prospect Alex Newhook Will Return to Boston College

Colorado Avalanche prospect Alex Newhook has announced he will return to Boston College for his sophomore year.

Colorado Avalanche prospect Alex Newhook will return for his sophomore year to Boston College. He’s currently living with Riley Hughes’ family since the COVID-19 pandemic has shut down college campuses, including NCAA hockey.

Newhook and the BC Eagles had been having a stellar year. The Eagles were seen as a definite contender for the national NCAA title. And Newhook had had such a great rookie year that he won Hockey East Rookie of the Year. In 34 games, he recorded 19 goals and 23 assists for 42 points.

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Newhook talked to The Athletic about his situation. He said of the 2019-20 season:

"“We’re done. It’s canceled. I think that’s been clarified. It’s hard to wrap your head around it when you think you’re going to be playing for another month. I don’t think it has settled in yet that our season is done and it’s the offseason now. It’s still really crazy to think about.”"

He remarked that he and his teammates tried to stick around each other for a while. Though Newhook chose to stay in Boston, many of his teammates returned home.

Alex Newhook, a forward, looks at the Colorado Avalanche’s depth and knows he can take his time on the development route. Colorado chose him with the #16 selection last summer. He says of his decision:

"“The Avs are a really strong team and they have a lot of depth. I am in a good spot at BC, and to be in a good spot like this and have this position of not being rushed and not being forced out of a good spot makes my situation that much better.”"

He definitely does not need to rush into play. He’s obviously getting good development with the Eagles in Boston.

Unfortunately, the cancellation of the remainder of the NCAA season means Newhook was unable to take that next step this season with his development. The Eagles still had regional championships ahead of them plus a shot at the Frozen Four, which was supposed to take place April 9-11.

Tournament play is often when you see a players’ best skills come out. Newhook could have shown his fortitude to play in big games.

He has time. Alex Newhook will return to Boston College as a 19-year-old sophomore in September. He will remain in Boston in case he gets the news that he can skate at the school informally. He does intend to return to his home in Newfoundland at some point this offseason.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche await the news that quarantines have been lifted and they can resume some version of the 2019-20 season. Or, unfortunately, that it’s been cancelled.